Process for preparing 10,11-dihydro-11-exo-hydroxy-5-methyldibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine

Abstract

10,11 Dihydro-11-exo-hydroxy-5-methyldibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine is prepared in a four step synthesis which uses an electrochemical cyclization to form the 5,10-imine bridge in about a 50% yield.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for the preparation of 10,11-dihydro-11-exo-hydroxy-5-methyldibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5-10-imine comprising the electrolysis of a compound of structure: ##STR7## wherein R is a C 1-3  alkyl, C 2-4  alkanoyl or C 2-4  alkoxycarbonyl in the presence of an electrolyte to produce the compound of structure: ##STR8## followed by reductive cleavage of the N--OR group. 
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 wherein R is methyl. 
     
     
       3. The process of claim 2 wherein the eletrolysis is conducted with a current density of 25 to 100 mA/cm 2 . 
     
     
       4. A process of the preparation of a compound of structural formula: ##STR9## which comprises the electrolysis of a compound of structural formula: ##STR10## wherein R is C 1-3  alkyl, C 2-4  alkanoyl or C 2-4  alkoxycarbonyl in the presence of an electrolyte. 
     
     
       5. The process of claim 4 wherein R is methyl. 
     
     
       6. The process of claim 4, wherein the electrolysis is conducted with a current density of 25 to 100 mA/cm 2 .